Windlass is terminal
- Thread starter Kaylic
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CPseudonym
Moderator Emeritus
Send a PM (private message) to a member named Hop Car
He owns a marine goodies store called Hopkins Carter and should be able to fix you up nicely.
He owns a marine goodies store called Hopkins Carter and should be able to fix you up nicely.
caltexflanc
Guru
What kind of windlass is it ? How is it giving up? Almost all windlasses are completely repairable and can be refurbished to like new condition.
HopCar
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Thanks for the kind words Craig.
I don't know how common these kinds of stores are, but there are marine exchange or surplus stores around the country. Some of them take stuff on consignment, some just buy up stuff as they come across it.
But it's possible a store like this might have the same windlass as yours that you could use for parts. A number of years ago on this forum a member put together a list of these stores nationwide and posted it. The post should be in the archives.
I know these stores come and go-- the two biggest ones in the Puget Sound area have closed within the past couple of years. But it's a possibility.
If the problem is with the motor, these can sometimes be rebuilt/rewound by an electrical shop. A lot of windlasses use what is in essence an automotive starter motor. I have no idea what Lofrans was using 26 years ago, but it may be that the motor can be overhauled if that is where the problem lies.
The original windlass to our boat lunched a couple of gears during a retrieve some years ago and we replaced it with a Lofrans Tigres. While the Lofrans offers all manner of benefits in operation over that original windlass, had the problem been with the motor we probably would have investigated having it overhauled instead of replacing the windlass altogether.
caltexflanc
Guru
Worth calling one f the shops in Ft Lauderdale that do repairs and refurbs, like boatworx 954 557 3794
QB
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What parts?
The first thing to go on a Lofrans is the solenoid contacts. But they can be taken out and cleaned and reinstalled pretty easily.
OP
OP
Kaylic
Veteran Member
The motor is fine, the gearing is shot.
It will grind to a halt. Sometimes can get it going again by reversing or kicking the chain. Gets loose for a revolution but hangs up in same spot.
Comes up better than going down.
It will grind to a halt. Sometimes can get it going again by reversing or kicking the chain. Gets loose for a revolution but hangs up in same spot.
Comes up better than going down.
Could be a worn bushing or bearing I suppose. If this is the case and it's possible to discover which one or ones are bad, they might be something a machine shop could make up.
But the cost of all this, to say nothing of the time hassle, might not make it a better alternative to simply buying a new windlass. Especially if there's a new windlass with the same footprint, mounting holes, etc. as the old one.
But the cost of all this, to say nothing of the time hassle, might not make it a better alternative to simply buying a new windlass. Especially if there's a new windlass with the same footprint, mounting holes, etc. as the old one.
nmuir
Senior Member
Have an old mcmurry and found specs for the gear, bearings, motor etc online. She is a great old beast so was worth rebuilding. Once discovered what they were, the specific components (gears/bearings/etc) were pretty cheap. If you can work out the gears - which might be hard - I am sure they are available. Manufacturers typically used components off the shelf from specialist component suppliers.
Of course rolling out a few boat bucks and buying a new one is a whole lot easier and faster
Good luck!
Of course rolling out a few boat bucks and buying a new one is a whole lot easier and faster
Good luck!
FF
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Looking for parts , finding a machinist and all the scrounging to repair an oldie are fine when HOME
On the hook either a cellphone call to a repairer or a bunch of calls to find a modern replacement are about all there is.
Take the measurements of deck hole and bolt pattern , go to a library with internet and see what fits.
If deck modifications are in the cards , check out Ideal , made in USA, parts available easily.
On the hook either a cellphone call to a repairer or a bunch of calls to find a modern replacement are about all there is.
Take the measurements of deck hole and bolt pattern , go to a library with internet and see what fits.
If deck modifications are in the cards , check out Ideal , made in USA, parts available easily.
OP
OP
Kaylic
Veteran Member
Thanks for all the good suggestions. The unit is old, agree, too much of a PITA to take apart, source repairs and at considerable cost of time and money. Think it's best to start new. I've done these before on our sailboats, fairly straightforward even for me. But on this boat, Krogen Manatee, I'll source it out. Again, looks straightforward but my wife always reminds me, those are the jobs that always double up in unexpected problems, costs and pain....gotta find the check book.
ksanders
Moderator Emeritus
Defender is having a big sale in a few days.
I bought a Lofrans Tigress from them for $2300 plus freight.
It took pretty much all day to get in and working properly, including new holes in the deck, etc...
I bought a Lofrans Tigress from them for $2300 plus freight.
It took pretty much all day to get in and working properly, including new holes in the deck, etc...
dhmeissner
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Given the age of your Lofrans, I would stay with the same model. They haven't changed the foot print so it should be an easy change over. The only issue may be your wire size. The older Lofrans had 1000 watt motors, then in mid to late 90's went to a 1200 watt motor. I bet the one Kevin has is 1400 watts. So you may have to up your wire and breakers. Still easier than drilling more holes in the deck.
BruceK
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We had a Muir Cheetah rebuilt by Muir here. The motor was stuffed, needed a new one,it turned out more powerful and bigger(the draw killed the ammeter). It didn`t fully fit the case, preventing the baseplate being refitted. I had to make up a timber spacer to accommodate it. Rebuild cost nearly $1200, but a new one is $4099 AUD, worth some effort. Looking at the motor and gearbox, Muir sources motors and gearboxes from various manufacturers around the world, . Lofrans might too, there could be alternative parts sources.
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